Africa, To Me

What is Africa to me:

Copper sun or scarlet sea, 

Jungle star or jungle track

One three centuries removed

From the scenes his fathers loved, 

Spicy grove, cinnamon tree, 

What is Africa to me?

         - Countee Cullen, "Heritage"

The date was December 2005 and the significance was: My first trip to the African continent. I left Los Angeles, CA bound for Cape Town, South Africa, which was where I was going to begin a 25 day trip through South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. I probably can give you a minute by minute recap of my entire trip to the southern region of Africa. Every single day within that timeframe was unforgettable as well as...no, I am not going to be cliche and say life changing but I will say humbling, paralyzing, and rejuvenating.  

Africa, to me is humbling. It is humbling because of its significance to history, to the present, and to the future. It is humbling because of the way of life and generosity of its people. It is humbling because of its intimidating size and complexity of natural obstacles to overcome. It is humbling because of the diversity of not only mankind but of living creatures. 

Africa, to me is paralyzing. It is paralyzing because of its vast beauty and endless skyscapes. It is paralyzing because it is unplanned, unprogramed, and unexpected. It is paralyzing because of the magnitude of need and the abundance of powerless people. It is paralyzing because you know you will never look at the world the same way again. I should also mention that it is quite paralyzing when an animal like the one in the picture to the right, charges your vehicle! 

Africa, to me is rejuvenating. It is rejuvenating because it is one of the few places on earth where you can truly escape and be miles from civilization. It is rejuvenating because it is humbling and paralyzing. It is rejuvenating because the days are long, as are the nights, and the food is filling. It is rejuvenating because you will have seen many friendly faces and have experienced lasting memories. 

What does Africa mean to you?

 

Two Peruvian Secrets - That's All You Need to Know

I was fortunate to have visited Peru right before it started to become the talk of the travel world. I fell in love with everything about Peru and I came back feeling like I had just discovered something. I am capable of giving you a detailed description of Peru and all its highlights but thats best left to the guidebooks. My personal push for the destination would be to just say: When you visit Machu Picchu and are standing at the top of the Andes Mountains, glancing up at Huayna Picchu and gazing down on the Urubamba Valley, you cannot help but to be astounded by the existence of something so inexplicable. 

My experience in Peru lead me to the discovery of two Peruvian secrets. So far these are proven secrets since no one has contested them yet. I honestly believe that the two statements you are about to read can truly maximize your cultural experience in Peru. 

1. Peruvian Cuisine is One of the Best Cuisines in the World

Most people think of guinea pig when they think of Peruvian cuisine. However, the guinea pig is mainly a tourist stunt. Peruvian food is heavily influenced by Asian cuisine. Peru actually had a Japanese president up until the year 2000. Are you a fan of Nobu Matsuhisa? Well the food you eat at one of Nobu's restaurants is considered Peruvian and Japanese fusion cuisine. Nobu actually began his culinary studies in Peru. Peruvians also use a lot of spices but are very careful to make sure that one spice never overpowers an another. You can also expect that your food will be as homemade as your own grandmother's cooking (expect a wait for your food but its worth it.) Peru is definitely a place that you should not hesitate to stumble upon a new culinary find. 

2. It is Better to Stay in the Town of Aguas Calientes Rather than on the Machu Picchu Grounds

This is the toughest secret to convey to travelers. Everyone wants to stay at The Sanctuary Lodge since it sits on Machu Picchu grounds. This hotel is always sold out, which results in so many disappointed people. However, there is no reason to be disappointed. The alternative to staying at the Sanctuary is staying at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes (a 20 minute bus ride down the mountain.) The last bus to town leaves when Machu Picchu closes. Therefore, you can stay for the sunset and leave the park at the same time as the travelers who are staying at the Sanctuary. There is also a bus available to take you up the mountain before the sun rises. Therefore, you will enter the park not a minute later than anyone else. Many people think the benefit to staying at the Sanctuary is that you have views of Machu Picchu from your room. Well, this is not completely true because during the day you most likely are in the park and at night, well, its dark. Also, once the last bus leaves the mountain you are stuck...you have no one where to go. Aguas Calientes is a quaint and charming town, slightly touristy but at least there are a few things to do. 

Rock the Kasbah

My plan for the day was the head to Marrakech and look for a painting to hang in my living room. However, after chatting with some of the hotel employees, the idea of visiting a small Berber village called Imlil about 30 miles away started to sound very intriguing. The hotel had arranged for an early dinner at the only restaurant in town. So I threw on my skinney jeans, a trendy blouse, and one of my favorite pair of heals, I wanted to dress appropriately for dinner. 

The drive to Imlil was stunning. The scenery was a cross between Colorado in the summer and Arizona in the winter. The Atlas mountains are the oldest mountains in the world so these Berber villages are over hundreds and hundreds of years old. Of course there are modern updates such as satellite dishes resting on top of every mud hut. 

Here comes the real plot to this story, I arrive at Imlil via a windy, steep dirt road high up in the hills. The driver who escorted me points to a building lower in the mountains and explains to me that "to get there you need to take that path there and aaaaahhh, it will take you 20 minutes." Lets see how I can best illustrate the trail I was about to take. Have you ever been mountain climbing? It was kind of similar to scaling Mt. Everest without climbing equipment. Remember how I wanted to dress appropriately for dinner? Skinney jeans, 3 inch heals? I couldn't turn back so I just started my climb down the side of a dusty, rocky mountain thinking, well at least my headline will be talked about Girl Falls Off Mountain in Morocco while Climbing in 3 Inch Heals and Designer Jeans. 

Unfortunately I have now stolen the thunder to the true purpose of this post. I finally arrived at the Kasbah Du Toubkal, a small Kasbah (hotel) with 360 views of the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding villages. The Kasbah is run by a local Berber couple. It seemed to be the only real business in this small village. I was served dinner on the rooftop of the hotel. Again words cannot describe. I have been to many rooftop venues but this one is worth talking about. The entire time I sat there just listening to mules, chickens, and kids playing. They could have been miles away for all I know. I couldn't help but to wonder about these people's lives. Do they appreciate the beauty that surrounds them? How knowledgeable are they about the outside world? From what I could see there was no distinction between economic class...everyone had a mud hut, a mule, and a smile on their face. 

I was told an interesting piece of Moroccan culture during dinner that I will share. Apparently this coming Tuesday is the Moroccan Christmas. The tradition behind the Moroccan Christmas (still cant remember the name) is that every mother and father is supposed to kill a goat for every child they have. Basically they are making a sacrifice for their children. It reminded me a lot of the holidays with my family! So many Americans are consumed with the challenge of what gift to give their loved ones during the holidays. We should all make a mental note that in some cultures, all it takes is the slaying of a goat!